**Experiencing London: Insights from Nine Months in the City**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I initiated my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive duration, it’s been sufficient to uncover much about this dynamic and diverse metropolis. London not only boasts a rich cultural and historical background but also presents a variety of housing options and flourishing communities. For students, the city hosts numerous accommodation alternatives, ranging from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling viewings for apartments is quite simple, whereas international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online. These platforms offer information on amenities and closeness to public transportation, streamlining the process for those relocating from overseas.
When I kicked off my hunt for a residence, my aim was finding a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social hotspots, and my university campus at Imperial College was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation system—including the Underground (typically referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation among these zones. However, traveling between zones can incur substantial costs, with daily expenses climbing up to £5.25. To cut costs, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize public transport. For university travel, discounted Oyster card options greatly alleviated commuting expenses.
Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, linking areas outside the central zones. The expense of inter-zone travel on these services is contingent on both the distance and the fare structure set by each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living costs. To keep expenses in check, I chose to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement enabled us to significantly reduce our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that private housing might not have readily provided.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another key consideration for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, whereas economical alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential shops and pharmacies turned out to be a time-saver, particularly during hectic exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting, as the city’s cultural diversity is mirrored in its myriad unique communities. For international students, finding a semblance of familiarity in an unfamiliar city is often reassuring. For example, Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, replete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Likewise, Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the West End, offers a bustling hub of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods represent just a few of the cultural enclaves that render London so extraordinary.
In the end, the optimal place to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural wealth, its diverse housing choices, or its convenience and vibrancy, London has something for everyone. My recommendation for anyone on the lookout for accommodation in this extraordinary city is to welcome its diversity, delve into its neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities it presents.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*